Crossing the Barriers
The Autobiography of Allan H. Spear
The memoir of a prominent Minnesota politician and one of the country’s first openly gay elected officials
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Crossing the Barriers
The Autobiography of Allan H. Spear
ISBN: 9781452915456
Publication date: October 29th, 2010
456 Pages
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"Crossing the Barriers reveals in intimate detail the social, political, and personal evolution of an exceptional man in transformative times. Allan Spear’s autobiography paints a vivid picture of the history he lived…and the history he made. Allan was a devoted son and partner, a gifted teacher, astute politician, skillful legislator, cherished friend and mentor, and a role model for all of us who wish to pursue the career of our dreams and be honest about who we are." —U.S. RepresentativeTammy Baldwin
"I join with all Minnesotans who mourn the loss of Allan Spear. His evenhandedness, command of the issues, and ability to reach across the aisle and work with colleagues of both parties were legendary and should inspire us all. He was a man of great courage who served as one of this nation’s first openly gay legislators." —Senator Barack Obama, October 2008
"Spear’s autobiography is a must-read for anyone interested in Minnesota politics, civil rights, and the gay rights movement. Vivid imagery and remarkable detail bring the story of this iconic man and his times alive. The book also holds a few surprises, especially for those who remember Spear primarily as a politically savvy state senator and gay rights icon. The reader is left wanting to hear more." —Minnesota Magazine
Spear's memoirs are fascinating and moving: in early chapters on his childhood and college years, he writes with great introspection about his growing self-awareness of being gay. Later he writes about his development as an intellectual, particularly as a white man fighting to win legitimacy for the study of African-American history and culture. During his time at the University of Minnesota, Spear became deeply involved with the Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party (DFL) and the antiwar movement. At the same time, Spear became increasingly active in the emerging gay rights movement and began the process of coming out to his friends and colleagues.
After a failed run for the Minnesota House in 1968, Spear was elected to the Minnesota Senate in 1972 and served as Senate president from 1993-2000. In 1993, he was instrumental in the passage of the Minnesota Human Rights Act, which protected LGBT people from discrimination in housing, education, and employment-an achievement he considered one of the finest of his career. A skilled parliamentarian, he remained a progressive leader in the legislature until his retirement in 2000.
Spear passed away on October 11, 2008, leaving his memoir slightly incomplete. A stirring afterword by John Milton completes the story of Spear's life, chronicling the recognition of his accomplishments as a politician and activist during his final years.
Barney Frank is the U.S. Representative for Massachusetts's Fourth Congressional District.
John Milton was elected to the Minnesota Senate in 1972 and 1976 where he was a colleague of Allan Spear.
Foreword Barney Frank
1. A Difficult Child, 1937-1954
2. Bright College Years, 1954-1958
3. Discovering the African American Past-and Present, 1958-1964
4. Becoming a Minnesotan, 1964-1967
5. Love, War, and Politics, 1967-1969
6. Campus and Community, 1969-1972
7. The Turning Point: Coming Out and Getting In, 1972
8. Entering the Senate and Leaving the Closet, 1973-1974
9. The First Struggle for Gay Rights, 1975-1978
10. Settling into a Legislative Career, 1978-1982
11. A New District, a New Partnership, and New Responsibilities, 1982-1988
Afterword John Milton
Index
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